The involvement of spirit is associated with lower levels of depression, suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, and delinquent behaviors, as well as later onset of sexual activity (Wilson, New England Network).
The Spirit Dimension of Wellness
"What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality" -Plutarch
"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men [and women]." -Frederick Douglas
"For every one of us that succeeds, it's because there's somebody there to show you the way out. The light doesn't necessarily have to be in your family; for me it was teachers and school." -Oprah Winfrey
The spirit dimension recognizes our search for meaning and purpose in human existence. It is the heart-centered part of ourselves where we go to find connection and strength in times of stress or crisis, and where we experience gratitude, kindness and compassion, both inwardly and outwardly.
Educating from the Heart:
Theoretical and Practical Approaches
to Transforming Education Edited by Aostre N. Johnson and
Marilyn Webb Neagley
"Educating from the Heart is a "must read" for all practicing school administrators and should be incorporated into any leadership development program for educators. Applying many of the principles and beliefs identified in this book challenges established practices and structures in our current "high stakes" testing environment. It is a compelling book relating to the topic of student well being that has to be addressed in a more systemic fashion in our schools."—Dr. Brian O'Regan, coordinator of Master's Program in Educational Leadership, Saint Michael's College, Vermont, and former Vermont deputy commissioner of education
“I do think we as teens tend to get stressed out about school and college and our futures. I try to take 10 to 15 minutes a day to meditate, usually at night before I go to bed. I chill out and relax.” – Andrea Martin, Age 16
Creating space for Silence; speaking and listening with more Kindness and Respect, identifying "tools" or self practices for Calming and Strengthening;
This piece is excerpted from Twelve Exercises
for Mindful Parenting by Jon and Myla
Kabat-Zinn, authors of Everyday
Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting.
In recent years, rites of passage have captured the attention of educators, counselors, parents, and concerned community members who are asking the question:How can we support our friends, families, students, and community-members through life’s inevitable transitions in a healthy way?
The definition of spiritual that we are exploring in this book encompasses a realm of human life that is nonjudgmental and integrated. It is about belonging and connectedness, meaning and purpose. Spiritual experience cannot be taught. But it can be uncovered, evoked, found, and recovered. -Linda Lantieri
Hannah Teter on Wellness
Hannah Teter, Olympic gold medal winner, talks about the impact of wellness practices on her everyday life as well as her life as an athelete and competitor. Click here to watch the video.
Wellness, Resilience and Mindfulness in Public Schools
The South Burlington Vermont School District gives a glimpse of how it looks to teach self-calming, reflective, and awareness and skills. Click here to watch the video.
Educating from the Heart: 